Pakistan, Aug. 5 -- A 73-year-old newspaper vendor originally from Pakistan is set to receive one of France's most prestigious honours after more than 50 years of selling dailies on the terraces of cafes and restaurants in Paris' fashionable Latin Quarter.

Ali Akbar began hawking newspapers after moving to France in 1973, employing a blend of humour and energy to charm locals and ward off falling sales.

In September, President Emmanuel Macron will make him a knight of the National Order of Merit, which recognizes distinguished service to France in a civilian or military capacity.

"Maybe it will finally help me get my French passport!" Akbar was quoted as saying to The New York Times.

A native of Rawalpindi in northern Pakistan, Akbar ...